Gardening

2 years/120 ECTS, Diploma

LEARN MORE

Accredited Programme by the Cyprus Agency of Quality Assurance and Accreditation in Higher Education (CY.Q.A.A.)
Government Grant up to €3,420 for each year of study (with income criteria)

In Cyprus, where the tradition of Gardening and Landscaping is relatively small, the Mediterranean climate creates particular challenges, but with a special adaptation of traditional methods, materials and practices. The two-year programme "Gardening" is a professional programme which, in the direction of the word "learn to do", introduces the students to historical and modern practices and techniques for Gardening, Cultivation and Arboriculture, which are appropriate for the Mediterranean climate. The programme is geared to the Gardening for dry-thermal environments, seaside landscapes and mountainous areas.

Job Opportunities

Create own business in the gardening sector
Work as freelancer in gardening
Employment in both private and public sector in the field of gardening and landscaping
Employment in industries or in greenhouses producing small industries and their equipment, as well as greenhouse enterprises for the production of vegetable products

Programme’s Purpose, Objectives and Learning Outcomes

Programme Structure


Semester 1
COURSES	P.P.W*	ECTS
Health and Safety in Gardening	2	4
Ecology	2	4
Introduction to Chemistry	2	4
Introduction to Garden History	2	4
Introduction to Pedology and Fertilizers	3	6
Introduction to Botany	5	8
TOTAL	16	30


Semester 2
COURSES	P.P.W*	ECTS
Design Process in Gardening	3	4
Professional English	2	3
Computer Science	2	2
Gardening and Floriculture : Annual, Biennial, Perennial, Bulbs, Tubers and Phizomes	3	5
Gardening and Floriculture : Hedges, Bushes, Trees and Climbing Plants.	3	6
Grasses, Turfs and Mosaic Plants	3	6
Practical Training I	-	4
TOTAL	16	30


Semester 3
COURSES	P.P.W*	ECTS
Arboriculture	3	6
Ornamental Trees, Shrubs and Bushes	3	5
Management of Enemies, Diseases and Weeds	2	4
Introduction to Computer Aided Design	3	5
Garden Constructions I	2	4
Garden and Landscaping Drawing Plan	4	6
TOTAL	17	30


Semester 4
COURSES	P.P.W*	ECTS
Automatic Irrigation Systems	2	4
2D Computer Aided Landscaping Design	3	4
Urban Gardening	2	3
Garden Constructions II	3	3
Tree Surgery and Basic Pruning Techniques	2	3
Final Project I	3	5
Elective	2	4
Practical Training II	-	4
TOTAL	17	30


Electives
COURSES	P.P.W*	ECTS
Introduction to Environmental Science	2	4
Viticulture - Oenology	2	4
Solid and Liquid Waste Management	2	4
Nutrition and Diet	2	4
Food and Society	2	4
Introduction to Marketing	2	4

*P.P.W.: Period per week. Duration: 55 minutes.

Programme Syllabi

Health and Safety in Gardening

The main purpose of the course is to elevate the appropriate conditions for a safe and healthy working environment.

Ecology

The aim of the course is to introduce the students to the science of Ecology for understanding the relationships between the different organisms and the environment and the need for its improvement and protection in order to maintain its sustainability.

Introduction to Chemistry

The aim of the course is to provide students with basic principles of General and Inorganic Chemistry, which are considered necessary for the understanding and consolidation of the knowledge that the Gardening professional must possess.

Introduction to Garden history

The main purpose of the course is to introduce the students to the basic evolution and development of gardening in history, help them to become capable to locate this evolution and development through the appropriate lens and historical prospect and introduce them to the aesthetics of cultural development.

Introduction to Pedology and Fertilizers

The aim of the course is to teach students the basic functions of the soil (physicochemical properties) and how it can be fertilized for the healthy growth of plants and shrub trees.

Introduction to Botany

The aim of the course is to introduce students to the basic concepts of Botany, the characteristics of living and non-living organisms and the internal phenomena of plant life.

The Design Process in Landscaping Design

This course is designed to build and enhance student’s ‘Designer Thinking’ allowing them to produce detailed and of high quality, novel design proposals, presented in a professional manner.

Professional English

The aim of the course is to demonstrate how English is used in real-life situations of Gardening and Landscaping professionals.

Computer Science

The main purpose of the course is to introduce students to the basic computer functions, skills and applications.

Gardening and Floriculture: Annual, Biennial, Perennial, Bulbs, Tubers and Phizomes

The aim the course is to provide students with the basic knowledge and skills regarding the cultivation, preservation and protection of various ornamental plants, harvested flowers, bulbs, tubers and rhizomes and for grooming gardens and parks.

Gardening and Floriculture: Hedges, Bushes, Trees and Climbing Plants

Grasses, Turfs and Mosaic Plants

The aim of the course is to give students the basic knowledge and skills regarding the creation, cultivation, protection and maintenance of Grasses, Turfs and Mosaic Plants

Practical Training I

The Practical Training course in gardening aims to consolidate the theoretical knowledge acquired by the students during the first year of their studies and help them build practical skills in the specialty of the gardener.

Arboriculture

The aim of the course is to provide students with the general principles of Arboriculture with regard to the growth, development, propagation and fruition of trees. The course also deals with the origin, morphology, development and production of each fruit tree individually.

Ornamental Trees, Shrubs and Bushes

The course introduces students to the concept of landscaping with various plants, shrubs and trees, and their right combination and placement in space to ensure consistency and enhance their beauty as living elements of the garden.

Management of Plant Pests, Diseases and Weeds

The aim of the course is to train students to recognize pests (insects, mites, nematodes), diseases (fungi, bacteria, viruses) and the various kinds of weeds (annual, biannual, perennial) and control them with the most appropriate method (chemical, physical, mechanical and biological).

Introduction to Computer Aided Design

The main purpose of this course is to get the students acquainted with the use of the Adobe Photoshop and AutoCAD design software.

Garden Constructions I

This main purpose of this course, is to introduce students to the different materials that are used in gardening constructions, describing their properties and uses.

Garden and Landscaping Drawing Plan

The main purpose of this course is to give to the students an outline of the general principles and practices of garden design, based especially on the appropriate use of tools, the graphical representation and material.

Automatic Irrigation Systems

The aim of the course is to train students in the design and installation of irrigation systems and installation of automations, aiming at exploiting their potential and advantages in saving water, reducing working time and improving the quality of the products produced.

2D Computer Aided Landscaping Design

The course focuses on the study, understand and creation of landscaping designs, projective and prospective designs, as well as irrigation and altitude designs. Furthermore, this course focuses on 2D design, based on the software program AutoCAD.

Urban Gardening

The aim of the course is to introduce students to the basic elements of small scale gardens in urban areas and in areas such as balconies, open spaces, courtyards and even indoors.

Garden Constructions II

The course ‘Gardening Constructions II’ represents a continuation of the course ‘Gardening Constructions I’ which, as it follows, is a prerequisite for this course.

Tree Surgery and Basic Pruning Techniques

The aim of the course is to train students in the practice and in the techniques of pruning. It focuses on various ornamental and fruit trees as well as shrubs, aiming to influence their growth and development with effect on production of flowers and fruits as well as on aesthetics.

Final Project I

The main scope of this course, is to prepare the students to carry out a professional gardening design, applying the knowledge and skills acquired through the respective program of studies.

Practical Training II

With professional practice in real conditions and situations, this course aims to enrich the students’ knowledge acquired through the theoretical part of the courses during the first and second year of their studies and help them capitalize on their practical skills within the specialization of the garden constructionist.

ELECTIVES

Introduction to Environmental Science

The aim of the course is to introduce students to the concept of sustainability, for the sustainable management of natural resources through the understanding of the structure and function of the natural and anthropogenic environment and their interaction. In addition, to identify the problems that have arisen from this interaction, as well as the ways in which these problems can be addressed.

Viticulture – Oenology

The aim of the course is to introduce students to the basic principles of viticulture and winemaking.

Liquid and Solid Waste Management

The course introduces students to the basic characteristics of waste, that waste is valuable resources and the basic technologies used in the treatment of liquid and solid waste.

Nutrition and Diet

The aim of the course is to introduce students to the basic principles of nutrition and dietetics and to the role of different foods in human health.

Food and Society

The aim of the course is to introduce students to the general concepts of nutrition and society. Students will study the influences that people receive in relation to eating.

Introduction to Marketing

To introduce students to the science of Marketing Management and its applications in business and organisations.

Academic Staff

Coordinator of the Programme: Dr. Dimitrios Sarris

Office: 5 Kallipolis Avenue, 1055 Nicosia

Tel.: 00357 22875737, E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Employment Status: Part Time

Position: Lecturer

Specialization: Agriculture, Landscaping Architecture

Programmes of Study: Gardening, Gardening and Landscaping

Short CV: Mr Menes-Antreas Anayiotos is a Lecturer at KES College from the current academic year (2020). He has a Master’s Degree in ‘Landscape Architecture’ and a Bachelors' Degree in ‘Agriculture’, from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. Mr Anayiotos is a member of Pancyprian Association of Agronomists with ten years of experience in landscape and garden design as well as in the construction of open spaces. Mr Anayiotos had worked as an agriculturist in large nurseries specialized in shrubs and trees for landscaping in Mediterranean climates. Moreover, Mr Anayiotos had worked as a Lecturer of Landscape Architecture program in another college the academic years 2012-2014. Since 2018 he has been working as an external scientific partner of Ayia Napa municipality coordinating and improving the urban green spaces of the area.
Employment Status: Part Time

Position: Lecturer

Specialization: AGRICULTURE PRODUCTION, ENVIRONMENTAL

Programmes of Study: GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING

Short cv: Ms. Antoniou Efrosini is a Lecturer at KES College since 2015. She has a Master's degree in Urban Environmental Management from the Wageningen University of the Netherlands and a Degree in Agriculture from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. She participated in a number of seminars and working groups related to her specialty.

Publications:

• Zafiriou, R., & Antoniou, E., (2013) “Experiences of present Climate Change impacts at the heart of Mediterranean. The case of beekeepers, olive growers and fisher folk on Kythera and Antikythera islands”. UNESCO Research Report, Pages 72-112

• Antoniou, E., (2012) ‘Urban Heat Island Effect and the Urban Water Management in the City of Arnhem’. Altera Research Institute and Future Cities - Urban Networks to Face Climate Change. Research Report, Pages 1-64
Employment Status: Part Time

Position: Lecturer

Specialization: SAFETY AND HEALTH

Programmes of Study: GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING, BEAUTY THERAPY AND BEAUTY THERAPY UNITS MANAGEMENT

Short cv: Mr Athanasios Athanasiou is a Lecturer at KES College from the current academic year (2019). He has a Masters Degree in ‘Environmental and Natural Resource Management’ and a Bachelors' Degree in ‘Natural Environment Protection’, from Ioannina University. Mr Athanasiou attained a number of educational seminars related to ‘Health and Safety’ and has a great experience in training employees in the specific domain. He also has the title of ‘E.X.Y.P.P- Health and Safety Certified Consultant’ from the Ministry of Labour of the Cyprus Republic. In addition, Mr Athanasiou had worked as a Health and Safety Manager in large companies in Cyprus. Moreover, since 2010, Mr Athanasiou is the President of the Cyprus Environmental Association and a Scientific Consultant Partner of other associations and companies.
Employment Status: Part Time

Position: Lecturer

Specialization: AGRICULTURE, ENVIRONMENTAL

Programmes of Study: GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING, TECHNICIAL FOR PRODUCTION OF ORGANIC PRODUCTS

Short cv: Christina Christodoulou is a lecturer since 2014.

She has a bachelor and master degree in Agriculture from Aristotelio University of Thessaloniki, with major in Plant Protection since 2008. In 2018, she successfully completed her studies and accomplished to obtain a master degree in Protection and Management of Environment, majoring in Terrestrial Ecosystems. Her dissertation title was ‘’The impact of environmental change to honey production in Cyprus’’. She is also a holder of a professional diploma in Public relations.

She worked in the Cyprus Cyprus Beekeeping Center as the Responsible Agronomist in charge, during the period 2008 – 2014.

Since 2010, she is an Approved Agronomist from Ministry of Agriculture with regards the program of Agriculture Development, 2007 – 2013 and 2014 – 2020, during which was involved in several researches and programs.

Commencing 2012, she teaches in Governmental Adult Education Centers courses in Agriculture and Gardening.

She teaches in MIIEK of the Ministry of Education from 2015 in the program of Biological Agriculture (2014 in Augorou, from 2016 in Limassol and currently in Paphos). She teaches: Morphology - Plant Physiology, Fertilizer, Greenhouse Technology, Aromatic and Medicinal Plants, Methods of Conservation of Organic Products - Legislation and Ethics of Organic Crops.

From 2016, she is a lecturer in KES Collage, as part of the Organic Products Production Program. She teaches the following courses: Introduction in botanic, Introduction Organic Agriculture, Greenhouse Technology, Beekeeping, Aromatic and Medicinal Plants, Viticulture - Oenology, Improved Irrigation Systems – Packaging – Standardization - Processing and Distribution of Organic Products.

During the period 2015 – 2019 was assuming the position of Chief Agronomist in Cyprus Agro Industry Centre.

She is the owner of Bio Farm Beeland – Melissochora Ltd, a company that engages in organic farming cultivating organic herbs, fruit trees and is the first unit in Cyprus with bees that has been certified as organic, keeping bees in Paphos and Troodos.

Positions in Institutions / Organized Bodies:

- President of the Cyprus Organic Farmers Association, 2019 - present

- Member of the Cyprus Agricultural Council, 2008 - present

- General Secretary of the Cyprus Agricultural Council, 2017 - 2019

- Member of the Cyprus Ecological Movement, 2018 - present

- Member of the Pancyprian Ecological Agricultural Association, 2017 - present
Employment Status: Part Time

Position: Lecturer

Specialization: Forestry / Environmental Management

Programmes of Study: Gardening

Short CV: Ms. Iliadou Anna is a Lecturer at KES College since 2020. She holds a Master in Sustainable Environmental and Natural Resource Management from Democritus University of Thrace and Degree in Forestry and Management of Natural Resources from the same University. In 2009 she worked in Forestry State of Serres as a Forester for 8 months. She is also an Agriculture Consultant in a private nursery. In addition, she is IFPRA (International Federation of Park and Recreation Administration) member. She teaches subjects of her specialty.
Employment Status: Full Time

Position: Programme Coordinator, Senior Lecturer

Specialization: BIOLOGY, ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

Programmes of Study: JOURNALISM WITH PUBLIC RELATIONS, GARDENING, BEAUTY THERAPY AND BEAUTY THERAPY UNITS MANAGEMENT

Short cv: Dr. Demetrios Sarris is an Academic Scholar with +15 years research experience, participating in over 20 international and national research projects and has developed international collaborations with scientists from Switzerland, USA, France, Israel, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Cyprus and Greece. Publications of his research teams have a significant impact and are featured in leading scientific journals, with research findings having been presented in +30 primarily international conferences. He is also a reviewer for more than 10 international journals and has designed and supervised over 30 Thesis. Trained in Switzerland (Inst. of Botany, Univ. Basel) and Greece (Dept of Biology, Univ. of Patras) in Biology (BSc), in Ecology and Environmental Management (MSc) and in Dendro- Ecology/Climatology and Plant Science (PhD), he has been employed: (i) at the Dept of Biological Sciences of the Univ. of Cyprus (having held the positions of Assistant Professor-Academic Visitor and Special Scientist for Research & Lecturing), (ii) at the Open Univ. of Cyprus (as Academic Coordinator, Adjunct Faculty Tutor & Master’s Thesis Supervisor of the Environmental Conservation and Management Postgraduate Program), (iii) at the Dept of Life Sciences, European Univ. of Cyprus and (iv) at KES College in Cyprus (as Coordinator of the Environmental Management and of the Organic Products Technicians’ Programs). He has also worked at Academic Institutions in Greece and has Post Doc experience at the Inst. of Botany, Univ. Basel and at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI, ETH-Zurich). He is an expert of the International Science Network MedECC, which supports, inter alia, the UN Environmental Program, and has served as Scientific Consultant for Scientific Documentaries (e.g. Άνυδρη Γη), for the University of Cyprus (Black Gold Strategic Program) on Sustainable Agroforestry and Organic Farming aiming to revitalize the carob industry of Cyprus («Μαύρος Χρυσός») and for the Association of Organic Farmers in Cyprus. He is also an Invited Member of the Editorial Board of Annals of Silvicultural Research.
Employment Status: Full Time

Position: Lecturer

Specialization: Agriculturist

Programmes of Study: Gardening and Landscaping

Short CV: Mrs Antonia Stelikou is a Lecturer at KES College since the current academic year (2020). She graduated in 2007 from the Department of Agricultural Sciences, Biotechnology and Food Science of Cyprus University of Technology (General Agriculturist). She carried on her studies at the School of Education and Social Sciences, where she completed her M.Sc. in Environmental Education and Sustainable. From 2014 -2020 she worked as a teacher of Agriculture – Horticulture at Adult Education Centres (Larnaca) of Cyprus Ministry of Education Culture, Sport and Youth. She worked in the Nature Conservation Unit of Frederick University as an Environmental Officer/Agriculturist, where as a part of her work she has written a guide to Creating a Botanical Garden which was posted on the website of the Unit. Her dissertation was presented in 2011 at the 25^th Conference of the Hellenic Society of Fruit and Vegetable Science and was published in the relevant journal. She has participated in workshops and training conferences. She teaches subjects of her specialty
Employment Status: Full Time

Position: Lecturer

Specialization: Agriculture Production, Landscape Architecture

Programmes of Study: Gardening, Gardening and Landscaping

Short CV: Mr Dimitris Tsimouris is a Lecturer at KES College since 2018. He holds a Master qualification (MA) in Landscape Architecture, PGCert in Landscape Design from Greenwich University and a BSc in Agricultural Sciences from the Cyprus University of Technology. Since 2014 he has been working in a family-run agricultural production business. Also since 2015 he works as a Trainer at the Adult Education Centers of the Ministry of Education and Culture teaching Agriculture and Gardening. Moreover since 2015 he is an Agriculture Consultant in a private nursery. He teaches subjects of his specialty.